Intake Session. What To Expect And How To Feel Most Prepared.
An intake session is the first meeting between you and your therapist. You can think of it in many ways as an extension of you initial consultation. Its primary purpose is for you and your therapist to get to know each other, discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, and determine if you’re a good fit to work together. Remember – like with any relationships, building trust and rapport takes time. If you find that if after the consultation and intake session you’re still unsure about the therapist you’ve chosen to work with, that is totally okay.
Before your intake session, the therapist will likely ask that you complete the necessary intake paperwork. This may include intake forms, consent forms, a questionnaire to gather more information, and details about privacy policies. This is to ensure that your expectations of therapy are clear and to ensure you have a full understanding as to the type of service you are signing up for.
Helpful reminders and tips prior to an intake session:
You are taking a positive step for you.
It’s okay and normal to feel nervous, apprehensive, uneasy.
Write down any questions and/or key points that you want to bring up in your intake session. Having them writing out may reduce any anxiety in remembering them and/or broaching these topics.
There are no “right or wrong” answers.
Be open to the process.
What to expect.
Just as your physical health is essential, so is your mental well-being. Taking the first step to seek therapy is akin to prioritizing your mental health, much like visiting a doctor for a check-up. In both cases, the first meeting involves gathering information to understand your concerns and needs.
Confidentiality and Privacy: Your therapist will review confidentiality and privacy policies with you. This information is likely to be provided electronically to you prior to the initial intake session, however, it is critical that it is reviewed so you understand the laws and guidelines around your privacy. Your privacy is of utmost importance and it important that you have an understanding as to how your information is handled and the circumstances in which confidentiality, by law, needs to be broken.
History & Discussion: The bulk of the intake session will involve talking with your therapist about your concerns, goals, and background. Your therapist will ask you questions to better understand your situation and what you hope to achieve in therapy. It’s also an opportunity for your therapist to gather a history of you, details that likely did not arise in a consultation, which will provide them with a fuller picture as to who you are. Remember there are no right or wrong answers here – this is your story and you are the expert in it.
Rapport: Building a trusting and open relationship with your therapist is essential for therapy to be effective. The intake session is another opportunity for you and your therapist to get to know one another. It’s more than reasonable nerves, unease and apprehension may be present for you. Take your time getting comfortable and remember that what you share is on your terms and your timeline. There are no expectations and please know that your therapist is there to support you every step of the way.
Scheduling: At the end of the intake session you and your therapist will discuss a schedule for therapy. The frequency and duration of your sessions may vary based on your needs/goals and also any potential requirements for attendance your therapist has. For example, in the early stages of therapy your therapist may require that you hold at minimum weekly sessions. This is to ensure that rapport, a foundation and trust is being fostered and also that your goals are being pursued.
Questions/Concerns: It’s crucial for therapists to ask if their clients have questions or concerns and for clients to feel confident in bringing them up for many reasons: promoting open communication within the therapeutic alliance, provides an opportunity for you or your therapist to clarify misunderstandings and/or areas that need elaboration, empowering you as the client to be engaged in your treatment, building rapport and trust and also enhancing treatment efficacy. When clients feel comfortable discussing their questions and concerns, therapists can tailor their approach to better meet their needs. This enhances the effectiveness of therapy and increases the likelihood of positive outcomes.
Post-Intake Session: Actions and Considerations
Celebrate your courage.
Reflect on how the session went for you. This reflection can help you gain clarity and set intentions for future sessions.
Practice patience and self-compassion.
You are not alone. Your therapist is there for your support and guidance.
Stay open to growth.
It is completely normal to experience a range of emotions after a therapy session including feelings of unease, confusion, relief or even heightened anxiety. Therapy is a unique experience where we explore deep rooted emotions, patterns and truths about ourselves. It is not uncommon for these feelings to linger or to feel vulnerable and exposed. Feeling this way after a session does not mean that therapy “isn’t working” – instead it is often a sign that you are taking steps towards your own personal growth and balance.